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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Illusion, Self Speaking, Fear. Took Medicines, No Symptoms. Discontinue Medicines?

My brother(25 yrs old) had symptoms like illusion , fear and speak within himself, did not actively respond etc. then he was prescribed t.oleanz rapitab (10MG).The day he took it he slept till 12pm in the morning. so doctor asked me to give him half a tablet a day. But it did not help and we gave him 1/4 of tablet everynight for nearly 45 days. From the very first day, i can feel he is completely ok. But he does not accept medicines, as he says he is good. So we gave him the tablets mixing in milk. So please suggest do we need to continue this or can we discontinue this as he did not have any symptoms now.Thanks in advance.
Wed, 14 Nov 2012
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Emergency Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Your brother's symptoms are indicative of a psychiatric disorder, called Schizophrenia. Oleanz (Olanzapine) is an anti-psychotic medication which is used to treat such disorders. Olanzapine can indeed have a side effect of causing excessive sedation.

Now, firstly, you must understand that psychotic disorders like Schizophrenia are usually chronic illnesses, which require long term medication. The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the illness, the response to medication, the level of control of symptoms and the current psycho-social situation which the patient is in. Usually medication is advised for a least minimum of 6 months but in some cases, may have to be taken for years together.

Secondly, you must also understand the fact that though your brother's symptoms may be currently well-controlled with this medication, if medication is stopped, there is a high risk of relapse of the previous symptoms. So, I would strongly advise you not to stop the medication without the advise of his doctor.

Moreover, the side effects of the medication, like excessive drowsiness are usually most prominent only during the first few weeks of treatment and as the body gets used to the medication the side effects gradually decrease.

If the drowsiness and sedation is unmanageable, then there are other medication which can be tried (like Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Amisulpiride, etc.) which will cause only minimal sedation. You can discuss about these alternative treatment options with his psychiatrist.

Best wishes,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
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Psychiatrist Dr. Gourav Monga's  Response
hello

welcome to health care magic

Your brother might be having psychotic disorder as per your details for which anti-psychotics are required. Don't stop his medication as his symptoms will return. In case he is experiencing side effects or less response, consult your psychiatrist for re-dosage of schedule as it is important to give medication in adequate doses for adequate duration.
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Suffering From Illusion, Self Speaking, Fear. Took Medicines, No Symptoms. Discontinue Medicines?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Your brother s symptoms are indicative of a psychiatric disorder, called Schizophrenia. Oleanz (Olanzapine) is an anti-psychotic medication which is used to treat such disorders. Olanzapine can indeed have a side effect of causing excessive sedation. Now, firstly, you must understand that psychotic disorders like Schizophrenia are usually chronic illnesses, which require long term medication. The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the illness, the response to medication, the level of control of symptoms and the current psycho-social situation which the patient is in. Usually medication is advised for a least minimum of 6 months but in some cases, may have to be taken for years together. Secondly, you must also understand the fact that though your brother s symptoms may be currently well-controlled with this medication, if medication is stopped, there is a high risk of relapse of the previous symptoms. So, I would strongly advise you not to stop the medication without the advise of his doctor. Moreover, the side effects of the medication, like excessive drowsiness are usually most prominent only during the first few weeks of treatment and as the body gets used to the medication the side effects gradually decrease. If the drowsiness and sedation is unmanageable, then there are other medication which can be tried (like Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Amisulpiride, etc.) which will cause only minimal sedation. You can discuss about these alternative treatment options with his psychiatrist. Best wishes, Dr. Sheeba Stephen